Driven by the excitement to venture overseas, you quickly check out flight details, accommodation and safety. Safety is the #1 priority when you travel overseas, especially in the Middle East. Many of us have the impression that the countries are not safe due to the Arab Spring, protests and demonstrations. The media is not helping by exaggerating their news reports, and making it look like the entire country is not stable. A demonstration in Tahrir Square does not mean the entire Cairo is a hot spot; only Tahrir is affected.
I can't emphasize enough on researching, bearing personal safety in mind. Nobody is responsible for your own safety except yourself. Where you choose to study depends on many factors - finances, comfort and cleanliness, the country's political stability (studying in London is not the same as Cairo), the schools and its programmes, duration of study, and many more.
Egypt
Fajr Center for the Arabic Language (Website/Facebook)
3 Things About Egypt
- Rough and rugged environment.
- A centre of islamic knowledge.
- Cairo is a developing country with poor public hygiene.
- A language school certified by the Ministry of Education and affiliated with Al-Azhar university.
- 80% of the lessons focus on arabic grammar, morphology and rhetoric, while the rest on vocabulary.
- Classmates comprise of different nationalities. You may even have a United Nations of a class at some point.
Qasid Arabic Institute (Website/Facebook)
About Jordan
I've never experienced life in Jordan, so again, please do your own homework!
About the School
Judging by the school website, it seems like a better place to learn arabic than Fajr Center, considering the fact that extablished universities in US and UK are sending their students here for immersion (so I guess it must be good, right?). But don't take my word for it. Do your own research.
You may even want to explore Kuwait and Oman.
A thorough research is a must, but it can only prepare you so much for the challenges that lie ahead in studying overseas. In the next post insyaallah, I will share on the importance of seeking blessings before embarking on this journey.
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